Chevrolet Lear show Media Simulator for Belle Isle Track

The media was invited ten days before the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear to experience the driving experience on a simulator.  I drove one of the early-developed track simulators that I racing brought to the event hosted by American Axle AAM headquartered in Detroit. 

According to “Otto Szebeni” I racing director of sales and marketing the Belle Isle track will join the other 80 digitally replicated tracks from around the world.  Since the track is only opened for a brief period annually the project team worked last year and this year to give was so many iRacing members have requested.

Guy Gordon one of Detroit's well known TV and Radio media personalities worked the simulator like a professional driver.

Christian Fittipaldi driver loves the Iracing Simulator. He worked on the simulator for at least an hour.

Christian Fittipaldi and Jim Campbell of General Motors discuss the advantage of simulators plus the upcoming Chevrolet Grand Prix.

Laser scanning and reference photography was captured during last year’s race.

Max Chilton is to the right of  2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power and Ed Carpenter who finished second at the 500. Max Chilton made Chevrolet happy with his finish #22.

When I drove the track on one of the stations (see photos) it was exciting and difficult.  The drivers love these systems for before driving or visiting tracks they can get a full view of the course they will be driving. Max Chilton of the #59 Carlin team uses the “simulators” from his home in London!

My experience lacked only the rumble of the road from the uneven surfaces, worn-polished concrete, and new and old asphalt. Will Power stated at the event that the 2.35-mile track is a very hard track and “bumpy” compared to the smooth Indy 500 track.  Little did he know he would be the winner at the 2018 Indy 500 drinking milk (which he is allergic to”!)  Lets hope Will Power and Ed Carpenter do as well as the did at Indy # 1 and # 2!  Max did very well to for Jim Campbell and Chevrolet at #22.

                                       MAP OF BELLE ISLE TRACK

The drivers seen in the attached photos all discussed the 2.35-mile, 13 turn circuit course. They love the track! All agreed it is a tough course but one of the best on the circuit.

You can see a video preview of the track at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v+Zt2j4Nrb7j8.

Iracing is the world leader in online racing simulation.  Look to see the Belle Isle circuit on line soon. A special offer from Iracing is available at: http://www.iracing.com/

The 2018 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will include two full-points paying Verizon Indy Car Series races on back-to-back days in the Chevrolet Duel in  Detroit along with the exotic sports cars of IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car Championship racing on Saturday, June 3 in the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic.  The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli returns with championship races both Saturday and Sunday in the Motor City 100 . The high-flying trucks of SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks will delight fans both Saturday and Sunday.

Off the track, the Grand Prix features entertainment from local and national acts at the FAN ZONE.

The track is being improved for 2018 including expansion to grand stands. They are adding two new viewing stands near Turn 2 and Turn 3. All tickets for the General admission for these stands remain the same as 2017 pricing.

For 2018 the Belle Isle Club fans can enter when purchasing an enhanced ticket package.  This exclusive hospitality area next to the racetrack  has been expanded to allow fans indoor access.

For tickets and pricing visit www. DetroitGP.com.

This year awards will be presented at an updated James  Scott Fountain  sponsored by Autotrader.  The  Autotrader Winners circle will be a memorable backdrop . Photos attached show previous set up at the Scott fountain I took.

The Scott fountain with Detroit skyline.

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Photos following show what the past has been and some of the new at the Circuit.

For car enthusiasts Porsche, Corvette, Alfa Romeo, Vipers,BMW, Ferrari, Maseratti, Lambroghini, Maybach Mercedes and others will be showing off their vehicle during the race weekend. Fans who wish to show off their own vehicles can do as seen in my photos. Park on the field with other classic vehicles as part of their Continental Car Corral Ticket Package. Visit www.DetroitGP.com/Corrals or information.  I spend hours photographing many of the magnificent vehicles.

A tradition of Free Friday sponsored by Comerica Bank will allow fans to see on-track and off-track activities at Belle Isle Park and the Fifth Third Bank Paddock.

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Auto Advisor Group

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